I really dislike when people say don't worry about brown spotting!!!!

Heidisean · March 2010

When they say brown spotting is "old blood" and don't worry. Well, I totally disagree and so does my OB. Brown may be old but it came from somewhere that was originally bleeding. My OB is concerned with any type of brown, pink or red blood and always does an US when it happens. While bleeding is common....IT IS NOT NORMAL! Call your OB's instead of trying to inquire on this board where I am pretty sure no one is an OB.

str8ota · March 2010

Is everything OK with you????????

I'm hoping this is just a PSA!

Heidisean · March 2010

Yes, I am fine and thankfully have no spotting or bleeding! We had an US on Friday and the baby is measuring 2 days ahead with a nice hb. I am just reading posts below and the responses are irking me! Thanks for asking.

Gummybear · March 2010

I agree with you. I understand that women who post about it are looking for reassurance that it's OK, but it's not normal, and brown doesn't mean it's nothing to worry about. I always cringe when I read that. My Dr. also wants to see you after ANY bleeding episode.

IrishBrideND · March 2010

Plenty of OBs say the opposite of yours. I dont think yours is automatically right and the others are automatically wrong.

If your doc wants you to call with a bit of spotting, then call. But that doesn't mean everyone else should/has to.

Jessicamz · March 2010

I agree. I never say anything to those posts b/c I don't want to unnecessarily worry anyone, but my miscarriage started with brown spotting for 5 days. So it's definitely something to consult with your Dr. about. If I have any brown spotting during this pregnancy, I'm immediately asking for an u/s to make sure it's not a missed m/c again.

IrishBrideND · March 2010

Jessicamz:
I agree. I never say anything to those posts b/c I don't want to unnecessarily worry anyone, but my miscarriage started with brown spotting for 5 days. So it's definitely something to consult with your Dr. about. If I have any brown spotting during this pregnancy, I'm immediately asking for an u/s to make sure it's not a missed m/c again.

I am sorry for your loss.

But here is why my doc (and others) say you don't have to call in: there isn't anything they can do. So if brown spotting does lead to a mc, its not something they can stop at that point. KWIM?

I understand that people want to know if they are m/cing or not. I do understand why they call for that reason. But those who say you don't have to call, and to wait, are saying it because there isn't anything medically you can do unfortunately. So, when I had brown spotting, I waited to see what would happen. More often than not, brown spotting is nothing. Sometimes it is something worse.

ETA: its like the m/s post below. Honestly, there is a small chance that lack of symptoms (or loss of symptoms) is a signal of a m/c. But usually its not. Usually its nothing.

tjknitz · March 2010

My dr is the same as yours. I had some brown spotting and my dr told me to come home from work and bed rest. I would have had an u/s right away, however I'm just too early to detect anything at this point.

Jpwl2a · March 2010

Maybe spotting isn't "normal" but considering how many people post about it, its common. You should always call your doctor but most often everything is fine and if it isn't there is nothing you can do to stop it. I don't think there is anything wrong with people trying to calm someone down. Especially if they had a similar experience and didn't miscarry.

LLRT · March 2010

IrishBrideND:

Jessicamz:
I agree. I never say anything to those posts b/c I don't want to unnecessarily worry anyone, but my miscarriage started with brown spotting for 5 days. So it's definitely something to consult with your Dr. about. If I have any brown spotting during this pregnancy, I'm immediately asking for an u/s to make sure it's not a missed m/c again.

I am sorry for your loss.

But here is why my doc (and others) say you don't have to call in: there isn't anything they can do. So if brown spotting does lead to a mc, its not something they can stop at that point. KWIM?

I understand that people want to know if they are m/cing or not. I do understand why they call for that reason. But those who say you don't have to call, and to wait, are saying it because there isn't anything medically you can do unfortunately. So, when I had brown spotting, I waited to see what would happen. More often than not, brown spotting is nothing. Sometimes it is something worse.

ETA: its like the m/s post below. Honestly, there is a small chance that lack of symptoms (or loss of symptoms) is a signal of a m/c. But usually its not. Usually its nothing.

I entirely agree with you. I had brown spotting last weekend and I had a feeling it was caused from irritation from Progesterone suppositories. Plus, I was on vacation and there was no need for me to run to an emergency room. I waited for the spotting to die down and it did, did not have any clots...it was mainly mucus. I let them know on Monday when I had some questions for my RE... they then said that it was from the progesterone.

Jessicamz · March 2010

IrishBrideND:

Jessicamz:
I agree. I never say anything to those posts b/c I don't want to unnecessarily worry anyone, but my miscarriage started with brown spotting for 5 days. So it's definitely something to consult with your Dr. about. If I have any brown spotting during this pregnancy, I'm immediately asking for an u/s to make sure it's not a missed m/c again.

But here is why my doc (and others) say you don't have to call in: there isn't anything they can do. So if brown spotting does lead to a mc, its not something they can stop at that point. KWIM?

I understand that people want to know if they are m/cing or not. I do understand why they call for that reason. But those who say you don't have to call, and to wait, are saying it because there isn't anything medically you can do unfortunately. So, when I had brown spotting, I waited to see what would happen. More often than not, brown spotting is nothing. Sometimes it is something worse.

I'm not saying you have to call you Dr., but with my personal experience I will. You're right, there's nothing they can do to stop a miscarriage if that's what's causing the spotting. However, I had a missed m/c so until they did an u/s I had no idea anything was wrong. If you know this has happened to you before your natural miscarriage starts, you can choose to have a D&C.

IrishBrideND · March 2010

Jessicamz:
IrishBrideND:

Jessicamz:
I agree. I never say anything to those posts b/c I don't want to unnecessarily worry anyone, but my miscarriage started with brown spotting for 5 days. So it's definitely something to consult with your Dr. about. If I have any brown spotting during this pregnancy, I'm immediately asking for an u/s to make sure it's not a missed m/c again.

But here is why my doc (and others) say you don't have to call in: there isn't anything they can do. So if brown spotting does lead to a mc, its not something they can stop at that point. KWIM?

I understand that people want to know if they are m/cing or not. I do understand why they call for that reason. But those who say you don't have to call, and to wait, are saying it because there isn't anything medically you can do unfortunately. So, when I had brown spotting, I waited to see what would happen. More often than not, brown spotting is nothing. Sometimes it is something worse.

I'm not saying you have to call you Dr., but with my personal experience I will. You're right, there's nothing they can do to stop a miscarriage if that's what's causing the spotting. However, I had a missed m/c so until they did an u/s I had no idea anything was wrong. If you know this has happened to you before your natural miscarriage starts, you can choose to have a D&C.

sorry, that was more directed at the OPs comments.

Jessicamz · March 2010

IrishBrideND:
Jessicamz:
IrishBrideND:

Jessicamz:
I agree. I never say anything to those posts b/c I don't want to unnecessarily worry anyone, but my miscarriage started with brown spotting for 5 days. So it's definitely something to consult with your Dr. about. If I have any brown spotting during this pregnancy, I'm immediately asking for an u/s to make sure it's not a missed m/c again.

But here is why my doc (and others) say you don't have to call in: there isn't anything they can do. So if brown spotting does lead to a mc, its not something they can stop at that point. KWIM?

I understand that people want to know if they are m/cing or not. I do understand why they call for that reason. But those who say you don't have to call, and to wait, are saying it because there isn't anything medically you can do unfortunately. So, when I had brown spotting, I waited to see what would happen. More often than not, brown spotting is nothing. Sometimes it is something worse.

I'm not saying you have to call you Dr., but with my personal experience I will. You're right, there's nothing they can do to stop a miscarriage if that's what's causing the spotting. However, I had a missed m/c so until they did an u/s I had no idea anything was wrong. If you know this has happened to you before your natural miscarriage starts, you can choose to have a D&C.

sorry, that was more directed at the OPs comments.

Ok well you quoted me. That's why I responded.

IrishBrideND · March 2010

Jessicamz:
IrishBrideND:
Jessicamz:
IrishBrideND:

Jessicamz:
I agree. I never say anything to those posts b/c I don't want to unnecessarily worry anyone, but my miscarriage started with brown spotting for 5 days. So it's definitely something to consult with your Dr. about. If I have any brown spotting during this pregnancy, I'm immediately asking for an u/s to make sure it's not a missed m/c again.

But here is why my doc (and others) say you don't have to call in: there isn't anything they can do. So if brown spotting does lead to a mc, its not something they can stop at that point. KWIM?

I understand that people want to know if they are m/cing or not. I do understand why they call for that reason. But those who say you don't have to call, and to wait, are saying it because there isn't anything medically you can do unfortunately. So, when I had brown spotting, I waited to see what would happen. More often than not, brown spotting is nothing. Sometimes it is something worse.

I'm not saying you have to call you Dr., but with my personal experience I will. You're right, there's nothing they can do to stop a miscarriage if that's what's causing the spotting. However, I had a missed m/c so until they did an u/s I had no idea anything was wrong. If you know this has happened to you before your natural miscarriage starts, you can choose to have a D&C.

sorry, that was more directed at the OPs comments.

Ok well you quoted me. That's why I responded.

Thats why I apologized My fault.

TeacherVicky · March 2010

I agree with what many of you are saying. As much as spotting (may it be brown or other) is actually quite common, it is not normal. Could not mean anything or it could be indicative of something to come.

I have been spotting for about 2.5 weeks now and am going back to the hospital today to get my betas checked as I am pretty sure I am miscarrying.

So I agree, I also really dislike when people say don't worry about brown spotting. I also really dislike how it would seem that so many women expect medical advice from these forums... it might be reassuring to know that some on these boards spotted for weeks on end and ended up having a healthy baby, but nobody is the same and no case is the same. It does not by any means mean that spotting is nothing to be concerned with!

candr09 · March 2010

I agree that noone on here is an OB, and if someone is concerned about thier spotting they should certainly call thier doc. However when I was at my doc appointment and told her about some brown spotting and she told me not to worry. She told me only to call if it turned into a flow or turned a different color. So I'm not going to call her once every few days because there was a little brown on the toilet paper when I wiped. And I think people who come on here to talk/ask about spotting arn't doing it to replace the opinion of thier doc, but just to here from someone else who might be going through the same thing. The doc can tell me till she's blue in the face that its nothing to worry about, but it still worries me. So its comforting to here from others who are either going through it, or already went through it and it turned out to be nothing.

So yes, call your doc, but when doc says not to worry but you still want to talk/ask about it with others who may be in the same boat, I don't see the problem with the posts on here. (provided the doc is already aware).

Gummybear · March 2010

TeacherVicky:

So I agree, I also really dislike when people say don't worry about brown spotting. I also really dislike how it would seem that so many women expect medical advice from these forums... it might be reassuring to know that some on these boards spotted for weeks on end and ended up having a healthy baby, but nobody is the same and no case is the same. It does not by any means mean that spotting is nothing to be concerned with!

I am sorry TeackerVicky. I hope that everything is OK when you go back the the hospital.

Totally agree. Whether your Dr. feels there is nothing (s)he can do, and wants you to wait it out, or they are of the school of thought that you should come in for a check, it's really up to them which is why you should always call. I know most women follow up their questions with a call, I just hope that responses aren't replacing real medical advice. Because brushing off brown spotting can be serious. What if it's ectopic? Or what if there is an RH situation where a rhogam shot could prevent a loss/future losses? Saying "brown blood is old, it's OK" CAN be misleading.

SammyJJo · March 2010

I think it's pretty hypocritical to say "Don't listen to medical advice on this board.... but, btw, here's my medical advice!" Especially because it's the opposite of what my OB told me - when I called about my spotting she said "it's old blood, don't worry, and we'll look into it".

The bottom line is: if anyone is concerned about anything, call your doctor. That's why they get paid.

KMS416 · March 2010

Couldn't agree more!

TexasLadyBug · March 2010

lrachelle80:
SammyJJo:
I think it's pretty hypocritical to say "Don't listen to medical advice on this board.... but, btw, here's my medical advice!" Especially because it's the opposite of what my OB told me - when I called about my spotting she said "it's old blood, don't worry, and we'll look into it".
The bottom line is: if anyone is concerned about anything, call your doctor. That's why they get paid.

I agree with this.

Personally when I had red spotting it was nice to hear other ladies who have also had red spotting and everything was ok. So I think until you have been there you really have no idea how those positive comments feel and are good to hear.

Also, I always say that if you are concerned then call your OB that is what they are there for. It may be nothing, but really no one on the board is going to know but you and your Dr. So until then being a positive support is better then saying "Freak out you should be talking to your OB right now, OMG I am so sorry you are having a m/s". A high % of the time there really is NOTHING to worry about, scary yes, but it does not mean you are lossing the baby.

chancellors mommy · March 2010

TexasLadyBug:
lrachelle80:
SammyJJo:

I think it's pretty hypocritical to say "Don't listen to medical advice on this board.... but, btw, here's my medical advice!" Especially because it's the opposite of what my OB told me - when I called about my spotting she said "it's old blood, don't worry, and we'll look into it".

The bottom line is: if anyone is concerned about anything, call your doctor. That's why they get paid.

I agree with this.

Personally when I had red spotting it was nice to hear other ladies who have also had red spotting and everything was ok. So I think until you have been there you really have no idea how those positive comments feel and are good to hear.

Also, I always say that if you are concerned then call your OB that is what they are there for. It may be nothing, but really no one on the board is going to know but you and your Dr. So until then being a positive support is better then saying "Freak out you should be talking to your OB right now, OMG I am so sorry you are having a m/s". A high % of the time there really is NOTHING to worry about, scary yes, but it does not mean you are lossing the baby.

Ditto.

Ohio_Wedding · March 2010

i'd say call your doc for spotting, just for peace of mind. with my first pregnancy, i spotted brown four days and then had a miscarriage.

with this pregnancy, i spotted brown and bled (heavily with clots) for five weeks, and all is continuing along fine at this point.

in both cases, there was nothing the doc could do, but they could monitor what was going on and did ultrasounds when they felt it was necessary to confirm there wasn't a problem.

in both cases, though, i posted on this board to find some comfort amongst people who had experienced something similar. the feeling of not being able to control it is the worst - and even worse if you feel like you are the only one who it is happening to.

TeacherVicky · March 2010

SammyJJo:

I think it's pretty hypocritical to say "Don't listen to medical advice on this board.... but, btw, here's my medical advice!" Especially because it's the opposite of what my OB told me - when I called about my spotting she said "it's old blood, don't worry, and we'll look into it".

The bottom line is: if anyone is concerned about anything, call your doctor. That's why they get paid.

I'm not sure if this post was directed to my pp or not... but that's not necessarily what I said. I didn't say not to listen to what some ladies say on these boards, but I just think some people may possibly rely a little too much on what is said here. I did the panic "I'm spotting brown" post a few weeks ago and was looking for comfort, which I definitely got... but my light brown spotting has ended in a m/c and I wouldn't want others to think that they are in the clear because it is true, a lot of women spot and go on to have healthy babies. Heck, the triage nurse said that exact thing to me today! That one of their nurses spotted throughout her whole pregnancy and just had a healthy baby.

I felt better and hopeful after discussing my spotting on this board and wanted so badly to believe it was normal because it is the women who have had a good experience (following spotting) that post to help calm another lady down, not the women who's spotting ended in a m/c.

suntoto · March 2010

IrishBrideND:
Plenty of OBs say the opposite of yours. I dont think yours is automatically right and the others are automatically wrong.

If your doc wants you to call with a bit of spotting, then call. But that doesn't mean everyone else should/has to.

Indifferent

Spotting is NOT normal no matter how you try and justify it.

suntoto · March 2010

IrishBrideND:
Jessicamz:
I agree. I never say anything to those posts b/c I don't want to unnecessarily worry anyone, but my miscarriage started with brown spotting for 5 days. So it's definitely something to consult with your Dr. about. If I have any brown spotting during this pregnancy, I'm immediately asking for an u/s to make sure it's not a missed m/c again.

I am sorry for your loss

But here is why my doc (and others) say you don't have to call in: there isn't anything they can do. So if brown spotting does lead to a mc, its not something they can stop at that point. KWIM?

I understand that people want to know if they are m/cing or not. I do understand why they call for that reason. But those who say you don't have to call, and to wait, are saying it because there isn't anything medically you can do unfortunately. So, when I had brown spotting, I waited to see what would happen. More often than not, brown spotting is nothing. Sometimes it is something worse.

ETA: its like the m/s post below. Honestly, there is a small chance that lack of symptoms (or loss of symptoms) is a signal of a m/c. But usually its not. Usually its nothing.

I find your post full of ignorance about miscarriage. Your doc is only 1 doc and not "others". Stop thinking you know what all OBs say about spotting. Seriously!

Now as for your ETA junk, I will have you know that I STARTED m/cing with BROWN spotting for a week. ALSO all my symptoms stopped, so if it happens, yes there is a BIG reason to be concerned.

TeacherVicky · March 2010

suntoto:
IrishBrideND:

Plenty of OBs say the opposite of yours. I dont think yours is automatically right and the others are automatically wrong.

If your doc wants you to call with a bit of spotting, then call. But that doesn't mean everyone else should/has to.

Spotting is NOT normal no matter how you try and justify it.

Completely agree

IrishBrideND · March 2010

wait, what? I NEVER said I know what all OBs say. EVER. I simply said that there are OBs that say the opposite of the OP...and that the OPs wasn't the only POV.

I also agreed that a loss of symptoms can mean miscarriage. That was my point.

I also never said bleeding was "normal." I simply said some OBs are not concerned....and that some posters aren't concerned.

Where did I say that brown spotting can never be the beginings of a mc?

You are reading way too far into what I said.

My entire point is the OP made sweeping statements about what should be done when there is spotting...and different people and different doctors have other protocols set up. That is all.

suntoto · March 2010

***You quotes are bolded and my response in un-bolded.

IrishBrideND:
wait, what? I NEVER said I know what all OBs say. EVER. I simply said that there are OBs that say the opposite of the OP...and that the OPs wasn't the only POV.

Here is what you said since you seem to have forgotten..
IrishBrideND:
Plenty of OBs say the opposite of yours. I dont think yours is automatically right and the others are automatically wrong.

If your doc wants you to call with a bit of spotting, then call. But that doesn't mean everyone else should/has to.
You implied that you know what most OBs say. Sorry. Don't buy it. Especially since I went through so many OBs in my journey to get to this point. FWIW ALL where concerned about spotting, which was the point of the OP.
Oh and you also said this:
"But here is why my doc (and others) say you don't have to call in: there isn't anything they can do. So if brown spotting does lead to a mc, its not something they can stop at that point."
You only have the experience of knowing what your OB says, not the "others". Don't say, like you did that they (ie the others) say you don't have to call in. Seriously.

I also agreed that a loss of symptoms can mean miscarriage. That was my point.

I also never said bleeding was "normal." I simply said some OBs are not concerned....and that some posters aren't concerned.
The OP said bleeding might be common but it is not normal and you, are arguing against her.

Where did I say that brown spotting can never be the beginings of a mc?
???
I was arguing about what you said here:
ETA: its like the m/s post below. Honestly, there is a small chance that lack of symptoms (or loss of symptoms) is a signal of a m/c. But usually its not. Usually its nothing.
You are wrong in thinking or stating that the loss of symptoms is a signal of a m/c.

You are reading way too far into what I said.
No, I read what you wrote and I disagree with how you stated things.

SammyJJo · March 2010

TeacherVicky:
I'm not sure if this post was directed to my pp or not... but that's not necessarily what I said.

Sorry, should have been more clear - was not directed at you. In fact, I totally agree with you, at least I think we share a similar sentiment: The board is a place to share experiences. The OB is the one to give medical advice. Both totally different, but totally useful.

Giggity19 · March 2010

Suntoto = reading comprehension fail.

suntoto · March 2010

Giggity19:
Suntoto = reading comprehension fail.

You got it wrong. IrishbrideND and Giggity19=Ignorant twats who don't know what they are talking about. Grow up!

IrishBrideND · March 2010

suntoto:

Giggity19:
Suntoto = reading comprehension fail.

You got it wrong. IrishbrideND and Giggity19=Ignorant twats who don't know what they are talking about. Grow up!

Excuse me? You are calling me names now? Thats particularly classy.

Again, my only point is that some OBs don't want you to call in if you see one spot of brown blood. I don't know why that makes me ignorant. Thats just is how it is. Many do want you to call in, but not all.

Want a personalized experience?

I really dislike when people say don't worry about brown spotting!!!!

Re: I really dislike when people say don't worry about brown spotting!!!!

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